Toda, Emily, and Koiner had been friends for as long as they could remember. They grew up together in a small town in the Federation, a peaceful and prosperous nation that was at war with the Alliance, a cruel and oppressive empire. They shared the same interests and hobbies, such as reading books, playing games, and watching movies. They also shared the same dream: to join the army, to fight for freedom and justice.
They had always looked up to the soldiers who came to their town, wearing their uniforms and carrying their guns. They listened to their stories of bravery and heroism, of battles and victories, of enemies and allies. They wanted to be like them, to have adventures and see the world. They wanted to make a difference, to protect their home and their people from the enemy.
They had been waiting for the day when they would turn 14, the minimum age to enlist as trainees. Trainees were young recruits who underwent a rigorous training program, to prepare them for the real army. They learned how to use weapons, such as rifles, pistols, and grenades. They learned how to fly planes, such as fighters, bombers, and transports. They learned how to drive trains, such as locomotives, tankers, and artillery. They learned how to survive in the battlefield, such as how to camouflage, how to navigate, and how to treat wounds. They also learned about the history and the values of the Federation, and the evils of the Alliance.
The day finally came, and Toda, Emily, and Koiner packed their bags and said goodbye to their families. They hugged their parents and siblings, and thanked them for their love and support. They promised to write letters and send pictures, and to come back safe and sound. They boarded the train that would take them to the training camp, where they would meet their fellow trainees and their instructors. They were nervous, but also excited. They knew that this was the beginning of a new life, a life full of challenges and opportunities. They hoped that they would make it, that they would become soldiers, and that they would make their friends and their country proud.
